St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-09-17

| they march on board, are first made &C
quainted with the 'standing orders" in
Guiding their duties in event of fire, and
are then told off into dctachments or
''messes," consisting usually of twenty
men and n-COmmissiOned officer.
The ''troopdeck' and Clover troopdeck"
are set apart for occupation, being
fitted with everything necessary for the
voyage. Each mess is provided with a
wooden table, which, when not required,
can be lowered to the deck. SO it is with
the seats, which run at right angles with
the bull Warks or side of the vessel In
/ order to give sufficient light, there is a
large port hole Immediately over each
table. Along the roofing or ceiling of
each deck wooden shelves are placed in
such way as to form a network. On
these shelves the men place their valises
or knapsacks. Hooks are inserted thickly
in the beams in every direction. On
these hooks at night canvas hammOcks
are suspended, generally lengthwise of
the vessel
The mems rifles and bayonets are
tightly inclosed in grips arranged around
the masts and in other convenient lOCa-
tons. These are fastened so securely
that no motion of the ship can disturb
them. Large wrought-iron water tanks
for drinking purposes stand in various
sections, guarded by sentinels night
and day to prevent waste, I'm
mense canvas ventilators hang through
suitable apertures emerging into
each deck; and as the portfolios are
Kept open in fair weather, there is al
ways a stream of fresh air circulating
freely below. Those whose fate has
doomed them to brief existence on the
lower troopdeck have a trying time
always when the vessel is running
through the Red sea and Indian ocean.
Awnings are stretched over the upper
deck to protect the passengers from the
scorching rays of a merciless sun, and
the denizens of the lower regions are
permitted to find relief by lounging
among the rigging and on the forecastle
when there are no prisoners.
When regiment is ordered for for
eign service or is returning home after a
tour of duty in India or the colonies,
troopship is ordered to the point selected
for embarkation, generally awaiting the
arrival of the troops at a convenient
wharf or jetty. Even those who know
absolutely nothing about military life
can readily imagine the immense guam
tity of baggage and provisions to be
moved on board before the officers and
men can settle comfortably in their
places. There is a place for everything
and everybody, however, and within
tWenty-fOur hours of the time when OPP
eratlons are commenced that place is
TILED satisfactorily and the vessel is
ready at any moment to get under
way. This cannot be done until
the general officer commanding the dis
trlct, and the quartermaster general and
commlssary general, accompanied by
host OF subordinates, have made tour
Of inspection. The medical officer-a
surgeon general'-is in attendance AS
his crowd of officials proceed along the
,roopdecks every man stands at his mess
able. A halt is made by the general at
each table. Each soldier is glanced at
With critical eye by the doctor for
signs of ill-health, and the general, keep
ng sharp lookout for delicate looking
men, asks If there are ANY complaints"
The Oldest soldier ENTHUSIASTICALLY" No,
lr !! and the party then pass on.
Presently the word is given and the
Trooper" as she is called, moves slowly
way from the wharf, her masts towering
lmost out of sight and volumes of smoke
from the two huge tunnels con-
lectlng with the cyclopean machinery
'etWeen decks. Friends stand in groups
long the Jetty waving a sorrowful fare
veil. There is not great deal of that
ort OF thing to be seen when leaving
roplcal station for home. Very often
ne wharves are covered with shouting,
cling coolies, almost as thick as flies.
hey have no more sentiment in their
atures than wild animal and never
'eep, except when somebody kicks
mem tor laziness or misconduct.
tut 1t is not so when trOOps
re leaving England. Every man knows
Tell that he is leaving his native shore
'lth poor prospect of return. He may
OF have to face Russian or Turk, but
IS bound to face more deadly enemies
\ the colonies he has a fair chance OF
fe but IN India he must fight against
just as terrible as bullets and
old steel. Cholera, dysentery, fever,
lseases OF the heart and liver and de-
lllty keep close upon his track all the
me- lie knows this and his friends
now 1t. The parents who have care
lily nursed and tended him for perhaps
score OF years now realize that he is
robably lost to them for ever Sweet
carts lose all hope as they see their
nosen friend and companion waving
s hand toward the shore. Brothers
Id sisters dread to lose sight of the one
icy have loved so dearly. Such scene
Guild move a man of ''blood and iron"
athers sobbing as if their hearts would
eak; mothers weeping loudly, refusing
be comforted; sweethearts and women
no cannot be taken on the strength
cause the percentage on the married
IL is already in excess, glance with
mined eyes in a despairing manner
ward the fast-receding vessel, and de-
ted civilian friends wave their hand
rchlefs necessarily.
And those on board? Do they stand
moved? No; they try to appear i'm
sslVe, but human nature bursts the
nds OF discipline. Great strong fell
VS., almost able to fell an OK with
DIV OF their fists, break down and cry
.e children. These men go into action
tn lips closed and teeth pressed tightly
5ether. There is death in every stroke
ay make. But the parting from home
q friends is too much for them. Soon
100 soon-the old landmarks fade
I'm view, and the giant steamer rushes
adily along, throbbing at every revo-
ion of the cvlin1ar lilo q rraat heart